The Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), the Council on Government Relations (COGR), the Innovation Alliance (IA), the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), and the Alliance of U.S. Startups and Inventors for Jobs (USIJ) released the following joint statement on the delay in the expected House Judiciary Committee markup of H.R. 9.

“As representatives of a broad coalition of universities, inventors, manufacturing technology and life science companies, venture capitalists and startup communities, we welcome the House Judiciary Committee’s decision to delay the markup of H.R. 9, the ‘Innovation Act.’ The patent system has proven itself to be an essential engine for innovation and economic growth throughout U.S. history. It is critical that Congress take the time to get it right before making further comprehensive changes to that system. Any new patent legislation should address abusive patent litigation without risking harm to the value and enforceability of legitimate patents. It is clear that H.R. 9 needs substantial work to prevent it from substantially damaging the innovation ecosystem.”